Monterey for Christmas!

We got to go to Monterey for about a day and a half after Christmas. There's nothing like hanging out at the ocean house to make you feel relaxed. :) 

The Monarch butterflies were in season on their way through Monterey, so we stopped by the park to see them.

Climbing the whale outside the Natural History Museum. This thing has been there forever - I remember coming to it when I was little.

Learning about Monarch butterflies!

This kid loves the ocean... even when it's freezing cold!

Nora was very concerned about the sand stuck to her feet.

Breakfast at First Awakenings - yum!

Fisherman's Wharf!

The "rocky beach" is our favorite - we love climbing and exploring!

Checking out some hermit crabs.

Look at my shells, mom!

The light was perfect for a good picture of this boy's chocolate eyes. :)

Love these cuties.

Ghirardelli now serves lemon sorbet - perfect for our milk-free baby girl!

This girl has some crazy faces.... just like her brother... and her dad. :)

Loving her sorbet.

There was a huge mirror right next to our booth. Nora spent about 10 minutes making faces at herself in the mirror. I was cracking up.

Singing to herself.

What a nut. :)

Christmas day!

We had a great Christmas morning as a little family at home. We received many surprise blessings this Christmas season, and were so grateful for the gifts we received and the time we were able to spend with family. Overall it was a busy but awesome Christmas.

So excited to get downstairs!

Nora loves everything about Christmas!

Checking to see if the reindeer found the reindeer food outside!

Silly little family!

These two are best friends.

Batman cave!

Nora got a princess castle!

The slinky dog that Owen has been wanting for years! Luckily "Santa" found it on clearance for only $7!

Nora loved the dolly and stroller Santa got her!

Getting some playtime in before we head to grandmas' houses.

Presents and brunch at my parent's house.

Christmas eve!

For Christmas eve we made the rounds to family. We started off with Christmas Eve dinner at Matt's house and opened sibling exchange gifts there. Then we headed over to grandma Bromley's house for games and red velvet cake (a Bromley family Christmas Eve tradition!). 

I curled this girly's hair for the parties. I couldn't get enough of her cute face with curly hair!

It was 70 degrees and sunny on Christmas Eve... so we spent the majority of the time at Matt's house outside.

Nora hanging out in the hammock with Jason and Lindsay.

Matt's dad slacklining with help from Jason and Jon.

Matt's mom even took a turn!

Michelle and Jenny watch the proceedings.

Nora got up...

...and so did Owen!

Sibling gift exchange! Matt and I had Jenny and Jason, respectively. We made Jason a Fruit Ninja kit - complete with costume, machete, and fruit to slice!

The whole family went in the backyard to watch Jason slice fruit.

Nora thought it was hilarious!

Love this little face. :)

Joseph and Mary!

All the grandkids acting out the nativity - Ellie, Emma, Matthew, Nora, Owen, and baby Alyssa as baby Jesus!

Opening grandma/grandpa presents before we go home.

Nora checking out the little town at grandma Bromley's.

Getting ready to act out the nativity.

Nora was the youngest one there, so she got to be baby Jesus. She LOVED that little bed, and laid in it for the rest of the night. 

Cousin gift exchange.

Owen got a Ninja Turtles mask, and Nora got a Hungry Hungry Hippos game.

Christmas family!

My favorite people in the whole world.

Crazy baby. ;)